Oct 012012
 
2008 Nickel & Nickel C. C. Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, Rutherford, CA, $95 (S) – Rating 92

Opens with a robust nose of blueberry and plum. The full mouth-feel in this 100% Cabernet is accentuated with flavors of dark cherry and dark berry fruit with complex notes of espresso, chocolate and toasty oak. Definite hints of typical Rutherford earthiness combined with well-integrated tannins add character in the long finish. Buy This Wine

Sep 252012
 
2011 Brandborg Wines Pinot Gris, Umpqua Valley, OR, $16 (S) – Rating 90

A refreshing wine with a nose of soft lemon creme. Flavors of bright citrus, green apple with hints of orange and honeysuckle caress the palate highlighted by bight acidity. Great with lighter summer fare or just to sip on the patio. Buy This Wine

Sep 252012
 
2007 Patland Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Stagecoach Vineyard,  Napa Valley, CA, $80 (S) – Rating 93

A rather expressive nose of dark berry fruit, dark cherry and spice. This full-bodied wine has matured into a well-integrated art.  Flavors on the palate are rich with notes of cherry, dark plum with hints of ripe raspberry and tobacco box. Beautifully supple tannins and balanced acidity add to the complexity. Buy This Wine

Sep 182012
 
2010 Belle Glos Clark & Telephone Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley, CA, $41 (S) – Rating 92

Getting wineaux philosophical …this  is a sexy smooth and satisfying Pinot. The winemaker refers to this wine as “Christmas in the mouth” and that’s not far off.  A rich nose of blueberry, dark fruit and baking spice gives way to a plush mouth-feel full of rich flavors of blueberry, cherry, ripe raspberry and pie spice with notes of leather and cocoa in the finish. Balanced acidity and soft tannins add to the beauty.  Buy this Wine

Sep 182012
 
2010 Riverbench Pinot Noir, Estate Grown, Santa Maria Valley, Ca, $28 (S) – Rating 90

An easy drinking Pinot Noir at a very good price. Medium-full bodied with a nose of blueberry, raspberry and spice box. Well-balanced palette of flavors offering dark cherry, raspberry, ripe plum, and blueberry with a good dose of spiciness and acidity. Notes of leather and smoke on the finish add complexity. Buy This Wine